Countries. Companies. And CNN
by Scott Rickert
ForumBlog.org, 01/30/2005

The writer reviews some of the major events he witnessed in Davos and his reactions to them. These include a speech by President Schroeder of Germany outlining the major social reforms being undertaken in Germany and a discussion of similar reforms underway in Japan. He noted optimistically, "I came away from these sessions believing that the proposals of President Bush, as highlighted in his inaugural address, are seriously being considered by all of Europe."

Levelling the Playing Field to Support Human Rights
by World Economic Forum
ForumBlog.org, 01/30/2005

The writer says it would be in the interest of all businesses to facilitate regulations if international governments would band together to guarantee human rights. Sadako Ogata, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, made a plea to business people to hear more from them about violations of human rights.

What Lies Ahead for Iraq?
by World Economic Forum
ForumBlog.org, 01/30/2005

The writer is confident that Iraq's new government will ensure the country's minority has a meaningful representation in the drafting of the new constitution--even if there is a disappointing turnout at the polls on Sunday. The withdrawal of US troops before Iraq's own security forces are fully trained would be a recipe for civil war, according to Mowaffak Al Rubaie, National Security Advisor of Iraq.

Economy Chiefs Upbeat About Global Growth in 2005
by World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum, 01/30/2005

At a session dedicated to the issue of growth, world leaders agreed that resolving international trade disputes, keeping inflation under control and risk taking are among the key ingredients to keeping the global economy growing in 2005. Still, there is concern about regulatory overreach, which could undermine growth.

Huang Outlines China's Ambitious Targets for 2020
by World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum, 01/30/2005

Vice-Premier Huang Ju noted that China's leadership has made economic development its principle task, making repeated appeals for more international economic and technical cooperation. He then outlined a number of economic targets for China, including a GDP target of US$ 4 trillion by 2020, a per capita income of US$ 3,000, and the creation of environmental sustainability.

Barroso is 'Realistically Optimistic' for Europe
by World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum, 01/30/2005

Long-term growth is the top priority for the present European Commission, says its President Jose Manuel Barroso. In a speech at Davos he promised to reduce the number of goals in the Lisbon Strategy and to increase accountability in an effort to focus on priorities and ownership. He also noted there is little reason for pessimism, although he admits Europe can still do better in the future.

Obligation to Poor is Key Davos Theme
by Financial Times
Financial Times, 01/30/2005

The writer describes commitments made to the world's poor by global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Bill Gates set the pace by donating $750m to support vaccines in developing countries. Gordon Brown, chancellor, promised almost $1.8bn to the same cause over the next 15 years and urged other wealthy countries to contribute a further $1bn over the next decade. The writer notes that the obligation of business and governments towards the third world emerged as a key theme at the Swiss gathering.

Middle East Dominates at World Forum
by Associated Press
New York Times, 01/30/2005

A number of issues centered in the Middle East vied for the attention of policy makers at the World Economic Forum this weekend. Issues discussed include Iraq as a magnet for terrorists, tensions generated by Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the upcoming election in Irag and its ramifications. One participant warned that the war in Iraq has become a rallying cry for Islamic militancy across the globe, and time is quickly running out to fix it. Another cautioned that human rights violations in Iraq are likely to sow the seeds for more bloodshed.

Other Forms of Democracy
by Barney Frank
Forumblog.org, 01/29/2005

US Congressman Barney Frank relates two complaints he has about his experience at Davos. First, he describes the practice of breaking down sessions into smaller groups, with each group then reporting through one individual to the entire group, as a waste of time. He says "the value of these meetings lies in the discussions in full. Efforts to summarize them drain their real worth." Second, he is "saddened by those who apologize for regimes that repress their people by dismissing 'western democracy' as inapplicable to other cultures." To him, democracy is essentially about voting rights and freedom of expression, neither of which he would classify as culture-bound or "western."

Barney Frank is a US Congressman.

"The Magic Has Returned to the Mountains," Says Peres
by World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum, 01/29/2005

Leaders met to discuss in Davos how the Middle East peace process could be pushed forward. For the first time since 1967, Israel is prepared to dismantle settlements and withdraw from territories. Also, the Palestinians this month elected a new president, Mahmoud Abbas, who is committed to getting out of a "vicious circle of conditionality." As a result, there is a new era of hope for a breakthrough in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The opportunity must be seized with immediate concrete steps if the chance is not to be missed.

A View From Capitol Hill
by World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum, 01/29/2005

Politicians and observers debated at an Annual Meeting session the future of American foreign policy. Topics included the division over Iraq and perceived American unilateralism. Panelists agreed that the US and Europe have to repair their relationship to foster security on both continents and throughout the world.

A Reign On the Wane?
by David Ignatius
Washington Post, 01/29/2005

The columnist comments on a new note of independence and even defiance of the US at this year's gathering at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He notes that many nations are forging their own paths independent of the US, including signing the Kyoto Protocol on global warming. British Prime Minister Tony Blair has called for global action on climate change, regardless of American skepticism, and French President Jacques Chirac has proposed a new regime for financing global development, despite a lack of US support. Still, Ignatius says the rest of the world can not do without the Americans, especially because an American financial crack-up will hurt Europe and Asia almost as much as the US.

Davos Optimism About New Media Business Models
by Paul Sagan
ForumBlog.org, 01/29/2005

The writer comments on the changing opinion of new media business models between this year and years past. Before, the concern was over such issues as file sharing decimating the music industry, with digital movie theft not far behind. But this year there is a new theme. Broadband adoption has reached critical mass levels in some markets, digital rights management is more available, and consumers have demonstrated they're willing to pay. As a result, there's a new spirit of cooperation and optimism in the air.

Chancellor Schröder Outlines Germany's Development Vision
by World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum, 01/29/2005

Gerhard Schröder, the German Chancellor, discussed his priorities for the international agenda, including greater access to the developing world market and an end to developed world "agriculture and export subsidies and duties that undermine sustainable development." Germany is preparing for the future by undertaking reforms to bolster its economy, including labour liberalization and pension and health care system reform.

Yushchenko Argues Ukraine's Case for EU Entry
by World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum, 01/29/2005

Victor Yushchenko, President of Ukraine, argued for his country's entry into the EU, saying it is a sleeping elephant awakening to its potential. His victory in the orange revolution shows that Ukraine has European values and "belongs to the civilization of European nations," he said. Ukraine will file an application for EU membership in the near future.

What if Money Was a Wrong Measure of Success?
by Loïc Le Meur
ForumBlog.org, 01/29/2005

The writer comments on a discussion led by Richard Jefferson, a social entrepreneur, about the importance of money in measuring success. He says the exchange generated more questions than answers and left participants questioning why they need money and profits at all. Perhaps to feel good in a very broad sense, from basic health and food to leisure, he notes, even if these feelings have little to do with money.

Still Dreaming of 1.3 Billion Chinese Consumers
by World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum, 01/29/2005

Panelists at Davos discussed the growth in the Chinese consumer market and the experiences business leaders have had in generating profits in China. Topics included consumer demographics in China and the similarity of the Chinese consumer to other consumers around the world. However, important differences were notes, including the notion 'fresh' in China really means 'alive.' PepsiCo, for example, saw sales of its potato chips fall off in summer months because they were perceived as too yang for hot weather. Creative, original approaches to marketing are crucial.

Has Japan Recovered?
by World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum, 01/29/2005

Participants in a session on the Japanese economy in Davos discussed evidence for its recovery. Many are optimistic, as corporate profits are up, capital expenditures are on the rise again, and the administration has shown a willingness to tackle tough, and often unpopular, reforms in social security. In addition, robust growth in Asia, and especially China, has buoyed Japanese exports. The concern is whether all of this is sustainable. Some panelists offered evidence in support of the view, while other participants pointed to warning signs, such as exchange rate pressures.

How to Modernize Without Westernizing?
by World Economic Forum
ForumBlog.org, 01/29/2005

The writer comments on a recent speech by Egypt's Prime Minister Ahmed Mahmoud Nazif in which he stated Eastern countries have to change without losing their cultural values. The need for reforms must be combined with the preservation of culture and religious patrimony. Also, the process of modernization should come from within the society and not be imposed from any other country. Lastly, he noted there are many paths to modernization.


Egypt's Nazif Supports Modernization Without Westernization
by World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum, 01/29/2005

Egypt's Prime Minister Ahmed Mahmoud Nazif called for the Middle East to integrate into the global economy and to create a business environment that encourages trade and investment with a strong regional focus. Still, he challenged the notion that modernization necessitates westernization, saying that countries "don't have to use the brand of development in the west."

Is Business Prepared for New Risks?
by World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum, 01/28/2005

A recent meeting in Davos explored the threats confronting the global economy--violence in the Middle East, terrorist strikes, oil prices aggravating the US deficit, and natural disasters--and whether businesses are adequately preparing for such disruptive events. Conclusions drawn from the meeting include the necessity of resisting government-imposed counter-terrorism rules that increase the cost of doing business and extending the horizon of contingency planning beyond the current CEO's term.

International Tax: Many People Don't Take it Seriously, But Everyone Is Still Talking About It
by Joana Calmon
ForumBlog.org, 01/28/2005

The writer notes that journalists continue to discuss the controversial project for raising money to fight poverty and AIDS through an international tax, an idea explored by French president Jacques Chirac in a teleconference at Davos. Questions about the proposed tax were posed to Tony Blair during his press conference this morning as well as to a panel of leaders in the session "G-8 and Africa: Rhetoric or Action?" Leaders were reluctant to comment on the tax, despite the persistance of many participants that the issue be explored in greater detail.

Africa is an Emergency That Business and Society Must Meet Together
by World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum, 01/28/2005

World leaders agreed at the WEF Annual Meeting that until Africa's needs are seen as an emergency, the Continent will not receive the required critical mass of resources and support. Former US president Bill Clinton spoke about the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in the aftermath of the tsunami in South-East Asia, while Bill Gates explored the threats of AIDS and malaria. Presidents Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria prioritized peace and stability as key to development.

If Not For Them, Then Do It For You
by Benoit Petit
ForumBlog.org, 01/28/2005

The writer explores reasons why rich countries should help Africa and developing countries to eradicate poverty and to continue developing. He says the future of the world depends on Africa's future, and poverty fuels extremism and terrorism. Also, fighting poverty around the world would serve both moral and political aims.

Lost and Found in Translation
by Barney Frank
ForumBlog.org, 01/28/2005

US Congressman Barney Frank notes two issues that come to mind during his participation in a panel discussions at Davos. The first is balancing the demands of courtesy with those of intellectual honesty. As he says, "Trying to think of relatively nice ways to tell someone he or she is talking nonsense is harder than it may look." He then explores the unfair advantage he may have in debating others whose native language is not English, but who have "indulged me by speaking the language native to me and foreign to him or her."

Barney Frank is a US Congressman.